The impact of online yoga on sleep and quality of life in women with breast cancer: a randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION: There is growing evidence of the benefit of physical activity and mindfulness in breast cancer patients (HC et al. in BMC Complement Altern Med, 2017). Yoga offers a combination of both. The aim of this study was to establish an online yoga program for breast cancer patients and survivors. As the project was launched during the (COVID) pandemic restrictions, we intended to prove effective online yoga as a way to access supportive therapy independently of sanitary issues and geographic locations in rural regions. METHODS: The two main outcomes were quality of life and sleep quality, and both were evaluated by standardized questionnaires (EORTC-QLQ 30 BR 23 and PSQI). Participants (n = 173) had breast cancer or a history of breast cancer and were randomized to either 6 weeks online yoga, twice a week for 45 min or a waiting control group. RESULTS: Our results show improved sleep quality in the PSQI score and improved subitems (dyspnea and physical activity) in the EORTC quality of life score. DISCUSSION: Online yoga seems to be a valid option in supportive therapy for breast cancer patients, as it improves physical fitness, dyspnea and overall sleep quality. It is also safe and cost effective as a remote intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration number and date of registration for prospectively registered trials: DRKS00029548, 07.07.2022.WHO International clinical trials registry platform number: DRKS00029548. The registration number of the ethical committee CAU in Kiel: D 589/20.

A detailed analysis of the spin-crossover reaction of H2S binding to heme and the six-coordinated FeP(Im)-HS- porphyrin complex.

The potential energy surfaces of the H2S binding to iron-porphyrin (FeP) with the imidazole (Im) ligand via intersystem crossings are investigated by using density functional theory. The minimum energy intersystem crossing point (MEISCP) between the quintet and triplet states (MEISCPTQ) for the Fe(II)P(Im)-H2S complex is located at a Fe-S distance of 3.39 Šwith only 1.1 kcal/mol above the quintet state minimum. The second spin-crossover point, where a change from the triplet to the singlet state occurs, comes at a much shorter Fe-S distance of 2.79 Å, and the MEISCPST is located at 3.7 kcal/mol above the triplet state minimum. The nature of the chemical bonding along the Fe-S reaction coordinate from the ground state singlet to the quintet state along the path to the separated species is analyzed. An inspection of the vibrational modes reveals that the largest contribution to the triplet-quintet transition around the quintet and triplet state minimum comes from the symmetric shrinking of the pyrrole units of the porphyrin ring, indicating that the related reaction coordinate plays a main role in the intersystem crossing. The fully optimized structures of the Fe(II)P(Im)-HS- complex corresponding to three different spin multiplicities (M = 1, 3, 5) are characterized by a bent Fe-H-S conformation. The binding of the hydrosulfide anion to Fe(II)P(Im) in the quintet state induces a 0.2 Šdisplacement of the Fe atom out of the nitrogen porphyrin (Npyr) plane. The fully optimized structure of the ground state of Fe(II)P(Im)-HS- agrees well with experimental data for the corresponding heme models.

Modeling the hydrogen sulfide binding to heme.

The binding of hydrogen sulfide to a model heme compound is investigated by coupled-cluster singles-doubles augmented by a perturbative triple excitations, CCSD(T), and density functional theory, DFT. The minimum energy path for the H2S addition to an isolated heme center of the heme protein is evaluated by adopting as a model the heme compound FeP(Im) (P = porphyrin; Im = imidazole). The FeP(Im)-H2S aduct is bound by 13.7 kcal/mol at the CCSD(T) level of theory. Relaxed potential energy curves for the lowest lying spin states of the H2S to FeP(Im) binding using DFT reveal that the binding process is associated with a "double spin-crossover" reaction with the existence of long-distance van der Waals minima only 5-7 kcal/mol above the FeP(Im)-H2S ground state. The fact that the energy of the singlet ground state of FeP(Im)-H2S is so close in energy to the dissociation products FeP(Im) + H2S points towards the reversibility of the H2S adsorption/desorption process in biochemical reactions.

Theoretical study of nitrodibenzofurans: A possible relationship between molecular properties and mutagenic activity.

In this study we present a theoretical investigation of the molecular properties of nitrodibenzofurans (NDFs) and dinitrodibenzofurans (DNDFs) and their relation to mutagenic activity. Equilibrium geometries, relative energies, vertical ionization potentials (IP), vertical electron activities (EA), electronic dipole polarizabilities, and dipole moments of all NDFs and three DNDFs calculated by Density Functional Theory (DFT) methods are reported. The Ziegler/Rauk Energy Decomposition Analysis (EDA) is employed for a direct estimate of the variations of the orbital interaction and steric repulsion terms corresponding to the nitro group and the oxygen of the central ring of NDFs. The results indicate differences among NDF isomers for the cleavage of the related bonds and steric effects in the active site. The results show a good linear relationship between polarizability (<α>), anisotropy of polarizability (Δα), the summation of IR intensities (ΣIIR) and the summation of Raman activities (ΣARaman) over all 3N-6 vibrational modes and experimental mutagenic activities of NDF isomers in Salmonella typhimurium TA98 strain. The polarizability changes with respect to the νsNO+CN vibrational mode are in correlation with the mutagenic activities of NDFs and suggest that intermolecular interactions are favoured along this coordinate.

Assessment of the contamination of riparian soil and vegetation by trace metals--A Danube River case study.

The aim of this study was to assess the spatial distribution of arsenic and heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn) in a riparian area influenced by periodical flooding along a considerable stretch of the Danube River. This screening was undertaken on soil and plant samples collected from 43 sites along 2386 km of the river, collected during the international Joint Danube Survey 3 expedition (ICPDR, 2015). In addition, data on the concentration of these elements in river sediment was used in order to describe the relationship between sediment, riparian soil and riparian plants. A significant positive correlation (Spearman r, for p<0.05) was found for trace metal concentrations in river sediment and soil (r=0.817). A significant correlation between soil and plants (r=0.438) and sediment and plants (r=0.412) was also found for trace metal concentrations. Elevated levels of Cd, Cr, Cu, and Ni were found at certain sites along the Serbian stretch, while elevated concentrations of Hg were also detected in Hungary, of Pb along the Romanian stretch and of As along the Bulgarian stretch (the Lower Danube). These results point to the presence of naturally-occurring metals derived from ore deposits in the Danube River Basin and anthropogenic metals, released by mining and processing of metal ores and other industrial facilities, which are responsible for the entry of metals such as Cu, Ni and Zn. Our results also indicated toxic Cd and Zn levels in plant samples, measured at the Hercegsznato site (Middle Danube, Hungary), which highlighted these elements as a potential limiting factor for riparian vegetation in that area. The distribution of the analysed elements in plant material also indicates the species-specific accumulation of trace metals. Based on our results, the Lower and Middle Danube were found to be more polluted in terms of the analysed elements.

Mass distributions and morphological and chemical characterization of urban aerosols in the continental Balkan area (Belgrade).

This work presents characteristics of atmospheric aerosols of urban central Balkans area, using a size-segregated aerosol sampling method, calculation of mass distributions, SEM/EDX characterization, and ICP/MS analysis. Three types of mass distributions were observed: distribution with a pronounced domination of coarse mode, bimodal distribution, and distribution with minimum at 1 µm describing the urban aerosol. SEM/EDX analyses have shown morphological difference and variation in the content of elements in samples. EDX spectra demonstrate that particles generally contain the following elements: Al, Ca, K, Fe, Mg, Ni, K, Si, S. Additionally, the presence of As, Br, Sn, and Zn found in air masses from southeast segment points out the anthropogenic activities most probably from mining activities in southeastern part of Serbia. The ratio Al/Si equivalent to the ratio of desert dust was associated with air masses coming from southeastern and southwestern segments, pointing to influences from North Africa and Middle East desert areas whereas the Al/Si ratio in other samples is significantly lower. In several samples, we found high values of aluminum in the nucleation mode. Samples with low share of crustal elements in the coarse mode are collected when Mediterranean air masses prevailed, while high share in the coarse mode was associated with continental air masses that could be one of the approaches for identification of the aerosol origin. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

A comparative bioavailability study of a generic capsule formulation containing carbocysteine.

The bioequivalence of two carbocysteine capsulae preparations was assessed in 18 healthy volunteers who received a single 750 mg dose of each carbocysteine formulation, and a new sensitive method for the quantification of carbocysteine in human plasma was developed. The study was conducted using an open, randomized, two-sequence, two-period crossover design with a week washout period between the succesive treatments. Plasma samples were obtained over a 12-hour period and analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry. Either a multiplicative statistic model for concentration-dependent parameters or an additive approach for time-related parameters were used for the comparison of pharmacokinetic parameters describing both the early and total exposure to carbocysteine. The respective 90% confidence limits [CL] of the individual ratios of geometric means were 0.898 to 1.112 [point estimate 0.999] for Cmax and 0.923 to 1.210 [point estimate 1.057] for AUC(0-infinity), while the difference between times elapsed to reach Cmax was insignificant [p = 0.4497]. Since both 90% CL for the log-transformed AUC(0-infinity) and Cmax geometric mean ratios were included in the proposed 0.80-1.25 interval, test drug (Bronchobos capsules) was considered bioequivalent to the reference one (Mucopront capsules).

Significance of de-novo IgD and IgM synthesis in CSF of patients with relapsing-remitting form of disseminated demyelinating disease of CNS.

Disseminated demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (DDD CNS) is immunologically mediated, with confirmed significant intrathecal immunoglobulin production. According to recently known immunopathogenic occurrences and activation of humoral immune response, we have assumed that the presence of oligoclonal immunoglobulins of M and D classes can be confirmed in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with DDD CNS. With the aim of its further determination in CSF of relapsing-remitting DDD CNS patients in either remission and relapse phase, respectively, we have confirmed the presence of oligoclonal IgD and IgM bands, the association of this production and the presence of new demyelinating zones found by MRI of endocranium, as the time elapsed from the last relapse until the obtaining of CSF for further analyses. Method of isoelectric focusing with Western blott procedure was used for the confirmation of oligoclonal IgM and IgD bands presence in CSF. Significant presence of intrathecally synthetized oligoclonal IgM and IgD in patients with DDD CNS in exacerbation phase was presented. Almost in all patients in this phase was found at least one indicator of acute phase (positive MRI finding, presence of oligoclonal IgM or IgD bands). Significant decrease of positive findings of oligoclonal Ig bands in CSF was correlated with the time elapsed from the onset of relapse until the obtaining of CSF for the analysis due to short half-life of those Ig in CSF.

The vanadium isotopic constitution of petroleum asphaltenes: La Luna Formation (Venezuela).

High-resolution mass spectrometry indicates that the isotopic abundance of 50V of the Late Cretaceous La Luna petroleum asphaltenes of marine origin (highly enriched with V > 2000 ppm) is higher by about 3.5% than that of the inorganic source (VOSO4 x 5H2O, Merck). We propose that the difference in the 50V/51V values between the La Luna petroleum asphaltenes and the inorganic source can be best ascribed to the biological processing of seawater vanadium. The fact that the V isotopic compositions of petroleum asphaltenes vary over a very narrow range (2.46-2.52) suggests essentially the same (or similar) and fixed biological source of vanadium.

Professional exposure of drivers to carbon monoxide as a possible risk factor for the occurrence of traffic accidents in the road traffic.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of increased carbon monoxide concentrations in the air of car cabin on the health status of exposed drivers and the occurrence of traffic accidents. Exposed group was comprised of 250 drivers professionally exposed to increased carbon monoxide concentrations in the car cabins. Control group was comprised of 120 professional drivers who were not exposed to increased concentrations of carbon monoxide in the air of the car cabins. Average carbon monoxide concentration in the air of the car cabins of the drivers from exposed group was 71.2 +/- 8.1 ppm, which was significantly higher compared to the controls (5.4 +/- 1.2 ppm). The drivers from the exposed group more frequently suffered from headaches, irritability, vertigo and palpitation than the drivers from the control group. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus, arrhythmia, atherosclerotic peripheral artery diseases and coronary heart diseases was more frequent in the exposed than in the control group. Drivers from the exposed had longer reaction time on acoustic and visual stimulation compared to the control group. The examined drivers statistically caused more traffic accidents than the drivers from the control group.

Clinical predictors of cardiac complications in patients with acute ischemic brain disease.

Heart and brain vascular diseases present leading causes of death in civilized world. During development of brain ischemia cardiac complications are possible. The aim of this study was to determine the existence of cardiac complications' clinical predictors by assessing certain electrocardiographic changes in patients with acute ischemic brain disease (AIBD). Forty patients with AIBD, without previous coronary disease history were included in the study. All patients underwent 24 hour Holter monitoring during first 48 hours after the onset of AIBD which was diagnosed by computerized brain tomography. ECG-s were analyzed by computer and interpreted by the same cardiologist. Independent variables in statistical analyses were: age, AIBD, cardiological therapy atherosclerosis risk factors, heart disease history, degree of severity and lateralization of neurological incident and maximal arterial blood pressure values. Dependent variables were: presence/absence of ST depression and presence/absence of ventricular arrhythmias (VA). All parameters as well as their interreaction, were statistically analyzed. Results point that age and side of neurological incident present independent important predictive factors for appearance of ST depression, as well as simultaneous heart ischemia, while the same parameters have border value as predictive factors for VA.

Increased titer of anticardiolipin antibodies represents the risk for the development of ischemic brain disease in persons below 50.

The aim of this paper was to investigate the frequency of increased ACLA titer in patients with ischemic brain disease (IBD) and to define their clinical profile. The group consisted of 162 IBD patients of both sexes, aged 39-81 years, with 50 healthy volunteers and 23 patients with other neurological diseases as control. Increased ACLA titer (above 0.9 GPL U/l IgG and 0.5 MPL U/l IgM) was registered in 17.9% IBD patients, and more frequently in patients with transitory ischemic attacks (TIA)-32.6%; slightly increased titer predominated (0.9-20 GPL U/l IgG and 0.5-15 MPL U/l IgM) in 69% IBD patients, while moderately increased (20-80 GPL U/l and 15-50 MPL U/l IgM) was present in 21% IBD patients, while highly increased titer (above 80 GPL U/l IgG and above 50 MPL U/l IgM) was present in 10.3%; IgG class was most frequently increased (9.2%), than IgM-5%, while increase of both classes was present in 3.7%. All patients with increased ACLA titer were below 50 years of age, had history of previous IBD attacks, more often TIA, irregularity of at least one coagulation test and fewer risk factors for IBD. Hence, increased ACLA titer was present in IBD patients of both sexes, below 50 years of age with previous history of IBD attacks and fewer atherosclerosis risk factors.

Oxidative and antioxidative activity in the patients with disseminated demyelinating disease of central nervous system.

Considering the basic pathologic process and current knowledge of the physiopathologic mechanisms in the active phase of disseminated demyelinating disease of central nervous system, the increase of oxidative processes was assumed in the patients with that disease in the phase of clinical impairment. The aim of the research was to study some indices of oxidative processes and activity of antioxidative enzymes in such patients. The research was performed on blood samples (erythrocyte hemolysate and plasma) and cerebrospinal fluid of 30 patients with disseminated demyelinating disease of central nervous system during the clinical impairment and during the increase of immunologic activity in intrathecal space. The patients were of younger age, in the acute phase or with the shorter disease duration (up to 3 years). Control group was formed of 12 patients examined for lesions of intervertebral disks in lumbosacral region. The research results demonstrated the increase of superoxide anion production, the elevation of lipid peroxidation followed by the increase of superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase activation. It was concluded that the signs of simultaneous increase of oxidative processes and antioxidative activity, but also the oxidative impairment of lipid structures existed in the studied patients during the acute phase.

The significance of hemispheric localization of ischemic brain lesion for the early prognosis of ischemic brain disease.

The possibility of early prediction of ischemic brain disease (IBD) is extremely significant for the creation of the individually designed treatment program. The aim of this study was to determine the significance of hemispheric localization of ischemic brain lesion as possible factor for the early prediction of IBD outcome. The study included 170 patients with IBD, whose score of neurologic and functional impairment was determined after admission by using the standard scales. The values of hemorrheological parameters-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), fibrinogen and alpha 2 globulin were also determined, so as the extensity of ischemic lesion by CT and MR brain examinations. After the treatment, the score of neurologic and functional impairment was also determined and the degree of ischemic disturbance was estimated-transitory ischemic attack (TIA), reversible ischemic attack (RIA) and cerebral infarction. The lower scores were noticed for neurologic and functional impairment, meaning the more severe degree of ischemic disorder with ischemic lesion localization in right cerebral hemisphere (RCH), in acute stage and at the end of treatment. The higher values of ESR, slightly less of fibrinogen and alpha 2 globulin were revealed in the case of ischemic lesion localization in RCH, so as the higher frequency of RCH lesions in percentages connected with the more severe ischemic disorders. It was concluded that the ischemic lesion localization in RCH might be the predictor of poorer IBD outcome.

[Changes in F-response parameters in supraspinal lesions of the central nervous system]. / Promena parametara F-odgovora kod supraspinalnih lezija centralnog nervnog sistema.

Since the F response is the result of antidromic activation of limited number of alpha motor neurons, the motor neurons excitability level can be investigated and established by analyzing parameter values of F response. The excitability of alpha motor neurons is the result of balance between excitatory and inhibitory influences of mainly supraspinal origin. The aim of this study was to perform the analysis of basic parameters of the F response in the lesions of pyramidal, extrapyramidal and cerebellar system, and to determine the eventual predictive value of the F response in lesion outcome. The investigations were carried out in 65 patients and 30 neurologically healthy subjects in control group. The patient group consisted of 38 patients with pyramidal lesions due to ischemic stroke, 15 patients with Parkinson's disease and 12 patients with vascular cerebellar lesions. The F response investigations were repeated monthly during 12 months in 12 patients with ischemic stroke. The results showed significant increase in F amplitude and frequency. These changes were in positive correlation with the increase of spastic muscular tone. In patients with cerebellar lesions decreased amplitude and frequency of F response were in positive correlation with the reduction of muscle tone. It was concluded that the measurement of the F response parameters might be reliable marker of the alpha motor neurons excitability and might have predictive value in the early phase of ischemic stroke.